A talented artist has urged boxer Ricky Hatton NOT to quit from boxing by painting an inspirational potrait of the fighter.
Manchester-based artist Michael Browne, has spent day and night for the past two months working on the painting.
And now he hopes that when Ricky sees the piece titled "Bloodied but Unbowed", it may make him rethink any ideas of quitting professional boxing.
Hatton was comfortably beaten by Floyd Mayweather jnr before suffering a devastating two-round knockout by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas last month.
And since then the rumour-mill has been in over drive calling for him to give up.
Even Hatton's father has remarked that it might be time for the 'Hitman' to hang up his gloves.
But artist Michael, who counts Ricky as one of his hero's reckons he has still got at least another fight in him.
He said: "I began painting this piece two months ago, just before Ricky's fight with Pacquiao.
"I thought, it doesn't matter if he wins or loses, I still had the image of how I wanted it to look in my mind.
"I watched his fight that night, like I do with all his matches and I was so gutted he lost.
"But it didn't change my idea of Ricky at all.
"Thats when I decided on the name of the piece- 'Bloodied but Unbowed'- because that's how the British public still see him."
Michael, has been painting sporting legends since he left university and first hit the headlines when he depicted Eric Cantona as Jesus.
But Michael says he was inspired to paint Hatton, because after losing two of his 47 career fights and at the age of 30 it leaves any future bouts in doubt.
Michael added: "After he lost his second fight, I changed the painting slighty and included some cuts and bruises and scars under his eyes.
"But eventhough he had been battered in the ring, I wanted to show that he was still standing tall, which reflects British integrity.
"Even as a result of loss, his pride still stands.
"There is a lot of talk about Ricky quitting and many people has been calling for him to retire from professional boxing.
"But he is an independently minded man and he will do what he thinks is best.
"I admire him, because he has come from a working class background and has become a champion.
"I hope he will see my piece, and perhaps rethink retiring.
"I want it to remind him how he is a strong fighter and I hope I have captured his stubborn resolve.
"He has spent a long time reigning at the top, and for now he has been de-throned.
"But I believe he can get back to that place."
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